2011 is winding down, and only a few days remain to get those charitable tax-break donations in. How can we take our goodwill and make it really count? 

With a myriad of charities out there, it can be downright perplexing where to start, so that’s why GMC compiled a list of reputable organizations that could benefit from even the smallest stroke of benevolence. And if funds are truly tight, perhaps consider making a donation in the name of a loved one that can serve as the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.

1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

www.stjude.org

With a dual scope of seeking cures for a plethora of life-threatening pediatric diseases and also treating children in need regardless of income, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is truly a worthwhile venture. In fact, giving to such a cause can help prevent future tragedy, such as the poignant tale of two-year old Dax Locke, who may have lost his battle with leukemia, but continues to inspire with his bravery and unwavering faith. Catch more about the courageous boy and his family in Matthew West’s song “One Last Christmas,” which even went as far as inspiring the GMC World Premiere Movie “The Heart of Christmas.”

2. Samaritan’s Purse

www.samaritanspurse.org

Another way to help youngsters in a more tangible way is through Samaritan’s Purse, a world relief organization that addresses needs of the poor, sick and natural disaster-ridden. This year once again finds the Operation Christmas Child initiative in full swing, allowing donors to pack a shoe box full of toys, clothes, candy and other fun holiday goodies for the less fortunate in their communities and beyond.
 

3. The One Campaign

www.one.org

Music fans are certainly familiar with The One Campaign thanks to plenty of promotion at U2 concerts, but anyone with a heart for various causes in Africa can certainly participate. Besides striving to put an end to poverty, the collective seeks to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. 

 
4. Medsend

www.medsend.org

For those looking to literally roll up their sleeves (or at least equip those trained in the healthcare profession to pick up the reigns), Medsend is one of the more unique ways to get involved. Donations help medical missionaries pay off the staggering debts accrued through their education and put them on a fast track to serving in the most desperate areas.

 
5. Better Life Foundation

www.thebetterlifefoundation.org

Modern rockers 3 Doors Down have never been shy about incorporating elements of faith into its music, while the concert stage also serves as a dual platform to promote its Better Life Foundation. After raising money through direct donations and rock n’ roll-themed raffles, funds are distributed to a variety of youth programs and hospitals with the goal of helping young people grow up to reach their full potential.

 
6. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

www.alzfdn.org

Not only is Alzheimer’s disease debilitating to those who encounter it, but it’s also just as emotionally draining on loved ones watching from the sidelines. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America doesn’t just aggressively research putting an end to dementia, but hosts numerous seminars and support groups across America.

 
7. Impact India 360

www.impactindia360.org

Investment manager and author Jeff Petherick may have amassed a mountain of the world’s attention by appearing in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and Forbes, along with his book Wavelength: Tuning In To God’s Voice In a World of Static, but he’s also giving back with a grand vision. As the founder of Impact India 360, he’s committed to supporting ministry efforts in eastern India, which have thus far included building and funding an orphanage, a hospital, a school for village children and a missionary training school.

8. Show Hope

www.showhope.org

Contemporary pop veteran Steven Curtis Chapman is incredibly outspoken when it comes to adoption and his family’s Show Hope organization puts those words into action. Besides raising money for families looking to expand, it also provides highly valued assistance and advice surrounding the legal angles of this exhaustive process.

 
9. The Hall Steps Foundation

www.thestepsfoundation.org

Spearheaded by husband/wife duo Ryan and Sara Hall (two of America’s elite marathon runners), The Hall Steps Foundation’s mission is two fold. It first provides funds to help further develop social enterprise and long-term sustainability in Kenya, along with assisting relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, a region currently enduring a disastrous drought.

 
10. Blood:Water Mission

www.bloodwatermission.com

In addition to the AIDS epidemic in Africa, another pressing concern is the lack of clean water. Started by pop/rock favorites Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission focuses on both sides of the coin by developing HIV/AIDS education strategies, alongside building wells and other means of sanitary water distribution.